Islamabad: Pakistan must shift from its traditional land-centric mindset and position itself as a confident maritime power, according to Sardar Masood Khan, the former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the unprecedented opportunities for Pakistan to strengthen regional security, maritime connectivity, and the blue economy due to the changing geopolitical landscape in the Gulf.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan addressed a seminar on “Regional and Global Maritime Security Challenges: Lessons from the Gulf Crises,” hosted by the Center for Law and Security (CLAS) and the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA). He stressed that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during the recent Gulf crisis have enhanced its strategic standing, suggesting that Pakistan should leverage this newfound credibility to influence maritime security in the Gulf and Indian Ocean region.
Khan noted that Pakistan’s maritime capabilities were internationally recognized during the crisis, with Pakistani vessels ensuring safe navigation through the Gulf. He highlighted Pakistan’s defense ties with Saudi Arabia and strategic engagements with Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait as factors positioning Pakistan as a trusted regional security partner.
He further explained that the Gulf nations’ diversification of security partnerships presents new opportunities for Pakistan to enhance defense cooperation, maritime diplomacy, and economic engagement. Khan also praised the Pakistan Navy’s performance in multinational maritime operations, which has bolstered Pakistan’s reputation as a responsible maritime stakeholder.
Discussing regional connectivity, Khan pointed out Pakistan’s role as a logistics hub, with successful cargo transportation through its ports to West Asia and beyond, potentially transforming it into a regional commerce gateway. He also stressed the strategic importance of international waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, and the need for international cooperation under maritime law.
Khan concluded by urging policymakers to invest in Pakistan’s maritime potential, emphasizing the economic opportunities presented by its coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. The seminar gathered senior naval officers, strategic experts, and academics who discussed maritime challenges, Gulf security dynamics, and Pakistan’s growing role in ensuring regional maritime stability.